As a Stage IV oral cancer survivor, I am very passionate about spreading awareness. Oral, head and neck cancers are profoundly different than other cancers in that they limit one’s ability to swallow, eat and talk.

This year the event is even more personal. "The sense of community and compassion that Roswell Park provided me during these unforeseen hardships is why I ride."

Like all the posts I’ve written for the Cancer Talk blog, this post starts with my name, and then three important words: Ovarian Cancer Survivor. What makes me a survivor?

Ronald Bolander, 85 — husband, father, retired corporate executive, volunteer and four-time liver cancer survivor — has been cancer-free for seven years.

There wasn’t chocolate, champagne, or rose petals, there was just his hand holding mine and never letting go. His presence and unwavering support meant more to me than a silly, store-bought gift.